photo #8741888

1956 Nash Rambler ‘Palm Beach’ Coupe This is a one-of prototype developed by Pinin Farina at the request of Nash designer George W. Mason. It was intended as the production replacement for the Nash-Healey, but the project never reached fruition. Never-the-less, the sole prototype has many interesting details that Pinin Farina envisioned for the American market and it is a fully functioning car. Named after Palm Beach, Florida, this car was built on the Nash Rambler planform which was also George Mason project. He was interested in small-car designs such as the Metropolitan which he developed in conjunction with Austin of England. The Palm Beach Coupe used a similar chassis, but had a built-up box section around the sills that the body attached to. Pinin Farina’s design lent from the Jet Age of American design, particularly with its prominent rear tail fins and circular front intake from the PF 200 Lancia also design by Pinin Farina earlier in 1953. Rambler “R” emblems on the hubcaps are one of the only cues that hint at this car’s roots. Palm Beach scripts are placed on the trunk and the side of the fins. Inside the car has ample room for two with bucket seats and leather upholstery. The driver is treated to a two-spoke wooden steering wheel that sits in front of a custom binnacle & Nash-Healey gauges. Other features include a floor mounted 3-speed manual gearbox, deep pile carpets and adjustable bucket seats.